The Scorned Wife Finds Love Again

AmberThere was a time when I loved him with everything I had, and thought he loved me too. I was so sure of us, so sure of him. But now…I wasn’t sure anymore. It’s hard to believe you’re loved when you’re constantly being treated like a maid in your own home.There are some days I try to convince myself that Dan still loves me, but I later get to realize that’s all a show for the public’s approval. My husband lives off it.I’m fumbling with the zipper of my dress when Dan storms into my bedroom, his voice already rising as he calls out my name.“Amber!” Dan’s voice booms with anger. “Are you still not ready yet? We’re going to be late for the gala! What the hell is taking you so long?” His words are sharp, cutting into me like a thousand tiny knives. They always do.“I’m almost done,” I reply, my voice trembling as I finally get around to zipping my dress. I’d chosen one of the dresses Dan had Lilian his personal shopper bring me. Trust Dan to treat me like trash, but the moment ther

Liam.I can't shake her from my mind. After all these years, seeing her again tonight was like ripping open an old wound that never fully healed. I thought I’d moved on, buried those feelings somewhere deep enough that they couldn’t touch me anymore.But the moment she looked up at me, every emotion I’d worked so hard to forget came flooding back.Breaking up with her is still my worst mistake. I should have fought for us; I should never have allowed my work to get in the way between us. I was a fool. A big one. A few years ago, after my graduation, I wanted to reach out and reconnect, hoping to get back with her, but that was when I found out that she’s now married, so I’d convinced myself that keeping my distance was for the best. I figured her being married was my sign that she’d moved on, and it was time I did the same.But seeing her tonight, with that hollow look behind her smile, made me question everything. There was something about her tonight—something that gnawed at me lon

LiamIt’s been almost a week, and no matter how much I try, I can’t shake Amber from my mind. I keep replaying that moment at the gala—the look in her eyes, that hint of something deeper beneath her polished smile.I’ve tried convincing myself that I imagined it, but it doesn’t add up. Amber may be married, but I know her well enough to sense when something’s off.Since I didn’t get a chance to grab her number before her husband swooped in, and she doesn’t have any form of social media presence, it seems like every attempt to reach her is a dead end. So I’ve thrown myself into work, spending more time than usual on-site as I oversee renovations at one of the hotels we recently acquired.I’m in the middle of reviewing some blueprints with the project manager when I hear it—a laugh, soft and familiar, one I could recognize anywhere. I turn toward the sound, and there she is, sitting in the hotel’s restaurant with three other women. They’re leaning in, chatting intently, as Amber jots do

AmberHumming my favorite song, I stride into my closet and pull out a red, lacy lingerie set that hasn’t seen the light of day in years. I lay it carefully on the bed, my heart thudding with a mix of anticipation and nerves. Stripping off my clothes, I step into the bathroom, grab the razor and shaving cream, and begin meticulously shaving my legs and bikini line.Maybe Mom was right. Maybe our lackluster intimacy is because I’ve let myself blend into the background, always prioritizing a spotless home and chores over myself. The only time I bother to look my best is when we’re heading out, but it’s hard to keep up when most of my energy is spent cleaning up after Dan and ensuring the house stays impeccable.Once done, I step into a hot shower, letting the water wash away the lingering doubts clinging to me. I towel off, massage oil into my skin until it gleams, and dab perfume onto my pulse points. Slipping into the lingerie, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, and for the fi

I quickly turn my face away from Liam, hoping he doesn’t see the tears that are threatening to spill. It’s stupid, really, crying over a simple compliment, but hearing those words—You did great—from him feels like a weight lifted off my chest. Since forever, all I’ve ever heard from Dan is that I’m not enough, that I never do anything right.I inhale deeply, and focus on the rain hitting the window, watching as the droplets streak down the glass, my thoughts drifting. I wish it were Dan sitting here beside me, telling me I did a good job, making me feel like I matter. The thought burns a little, ached deep in my chest. I can’t help but wish things could go back to how they were, before everything fell apart between us. I know I sound like a broken record but, I can’t seem to help it.Liam’s voice breaks the stillness. "Amber?" His tone is soft, concerned. "Are you okay? Did I say something wrong?"I force myself to nod, not trusting my voice. I turn back to face him, offering a smile